kingofgamecorner | 11th Piece // Ecruteak City // Action/Text

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11th Piece // Ecruteak City // Action/Text

[-the strangest alarm clock he'd ever heard... He didn't remember setting any at all. Perhaps it was in the room next door? Jounouchi's, or... Anzu's? Either way... It did sound kind of familiar. Like an animal call-

Like-]

Maaaaa!

[Rolling slightly, Yuugi struggles confused against a soft weight on his legs. It bounces off fast enough- a little puff of yellow he spots as he opens his eyes. It takes a second, but the quick sight eventually registers, making him sit bolt upright in bed.

Just in time for his Growlithe to let out a bark and tackle his lap, licking his face before Yuugi can stop gawking.]

I-Isami?! What are you- How did- Okay, okay!

[But his attempts to stop him are half-hearted, and he's hugging the small dog to him as he looks up, only to spot his Togetic over head, and Natu bouncing up his sheets.]

You too?! So, then- I'm the one that moved, right?

[It certainly didn't look like his room on the ship, after all. And it might have been a long time - on his end - but he still vaguely recognizes the center decor around him. Except... He's beginning to think it's been a good while since he was last here, too. Because when he looks around for his Mareep Bakuto - expecting to find she was the source of yellow he saw before - he finds her, plus some.

Some four baby Mareep scrambling all around the floor around his bed, with a tiny Vulpix trying to climb up into the wind, to boot.

As such, anyone is welcome to hear all the poké-racket and come investigate, but everyone is getting this message!]

Last thing I remember here, I was making a message on the network...

Can anyone tell me when that was?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

...is it?

[A smile that he hopes isn't nervous. He'd love to be certain. He thrives on certainty. And while he'd love to know what you know -

He's not about to out his own timeline position. You have the advantage. That's bad enough without verbal acknowledgement.]

Then this'll definitely be an adjustment, after all that time. But don't worry - you really did only sleep for a week.

[He pauses.]

....and...I'll help. Since we're friends. We're friends for good now. Right?

[-so he does prefer this unsaid, huh? Well, he can't quite regret it. Part of the package is getting to work together.

So of course he gives a laugh as he turns up the smile.]

Of course! And that part I don't have to adjust to.

[Can he spread confident cheer?]

[Oh, how he would love for you to forget it's all an act on his part. How he'd adore actually winning your trust.

--heh, in a way, maybe this will work out. Whatever absurdities have befallen him at the point you're from, he's been warned of them. He can keep an eye out for the possibilities, upon his return. A fate foretold is a fate he can manipulate.

So yes, Mutou Yuugi. Let's become friends for real. Right until your dying breaths.

There is certainly no lack of confident cheer anymore.]

Glad of that! So, what'd you like to check out first?

[Observe whatever you want, Malik. He's seen what you're capable of doing!

And no, that's not about schemes or traps.

He wants to focus on the future, not the past (even if Malik's still sort of in it)! So he's happy to consider that question.]

Well- if you want to get back for the promotion thing, we probably need to turn back... But there are things I regretted not doing before, I can do there.

Are you done here, though? I'd be happy to return, but if there's anything here you'd like to see....

[Oh who is he kidding he's almost definitely missed Archer by this point dammit he needs to get back to Goldenrod. Particularly since he's made the local fauna act up around here a few times. Best not do so enough anyone will notice a pattern.]

I can come back later. We're not tied to the city, after all.

Besides, we both need to work.

[And now that he has apparently a half dozen new babies, they probably need a safe place to grow a little before he takes them on a journey.

Not to mention. Games.]

[He nods.]

The good people of Goldenrod are depending on us.

Besides, I still owe you back payments on rent.

[Which he will pay on money made from running games. Lovely lovely games.

You definitely want to be his friend.]

-right, the rent.

[He nearly forgot! It, still isn't the next month, is it... No, that's right, just a week?

But wow, back in Johto, with a Malik who might do anything, and he has rent to pay. Surreal.]

Guess that's another reason to get back. I need to make enough to keep up my end, too. [He reaches over and scratches Isami's ear as he talks.] And pay to help a couple of these grow.

["Growl?"]

Is he a stone evolution too?

[Malik nods to Vulpix, who reluctantly begins to try herding the sheep. Okay, kids, we're heading out.]

Then I guess we both have the same errand to run.

Yup- Fire. [Which makes their errand really similar, even if Yuugi has a couple extra tasks.

And don't worry, Daddy, a couple babies will listen, and so will a third - after batting at his ear. But the fourth is hanging back looking at Mama, not moving an inch.

And favorite fox boy still sulks by the bed.

And favorite doggy is making uncertain sounds at all this evolution talk, earning a comforting pat while Yuugi looks up at Senzai.]

I delayed a lot before I left, but there's no point now. I don't want to hold them back-

Or our ah... Herd?

[As in HALF THE GROUP OUT THE DOOR.]

[Where are you picking up how to sulk from?! Someone around here must be setting a bad example! Vulpix is certain of it.]

That's - about the only thing to call it, by now....

We might have to rent a pasture, too.

[And he'll set about trying to get that extra fox himself, seeing as Mareep, Party Of Far Too Many is peacing out.]

...I wish I could laugh and call that a joke.

But I'll need to do something. I can't leave half of them in storage all the time.

[Or all, as he'll likely have to before they leave, but he hasn't "caught" them yet...

Still, he goes to grab the remaining crew, ending up with a Growlithe at his heel, Togetic at his shoulder, and Natu nestled in his hair.]

You don't think there's a ranch or something right in town... right? The closest I know is the Breeding Centre.

--you know, it's funny you say that. I met someone interested in opening a ranch not long after arriving here.

[Are you going to let him pick you up, little Vulpix, without snapping or blowing fire at him?]

It's anyone's guess whether they're still around, or made headway. But isn't that a great idea?

...seriously?

[What are the details Malik IS IT MAREEP HEAVEN? Because he would like that.]

I hope that turns out to be something... But if nothing else, I can ask around for other advice. There's still lots of other breeders here.

[People to meet, things to see, games to play and wow, that little fox pup is fast to jump to Malik... Odd, isn't it? But maybe the look he shoots Daddy says it all.

He knows who you snub!]

[He was kind of distracted by catching Smoochum that day! But it did sound like quite the nice idea. He'd had every intention of using it for ill.]

That there are - so somebody's got to have hit upon a solution.

Though I'd be willing to take a few on, for walks and training and such, if you needed. Long as they didn't chew wires at work.

[Malik will luxuriously pet this baby Vulpix. He knows who Daddy snubs, too. So hah.]

I hope so- I don't know if there's other Mareep breeders here or not, though. I might have to find a solution all my own.

[Which he's not trying to shirk from, and looking pretty at ease at the challenge.

Still, he grins back at the offer as he walks.]

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind... But it looks like it's the fox that's taken with you.

This? This is spite.

[A nervous grin; he hefts the Vulpix.]

I can't flatter myself to quite that degree....

[He holds the baby carefully, though.]

...it's - nice to have you back, by the way.

-well it's bonding either way...

[Still, would Malik want a second Vulpix, if it's not being sincere? Maybe he better wait and see who else the kid likes. (Right now he seems to just like climbing shirts.)

But he looks up from Malik's chest to strike a small grin. Again, if he's sincere or not.]

I feel the same way. I'm happy I get another chance here- Plus I'll get to see you longer.

Ah.....yeah.

[He smiles broadly and holds a door open for the small herd as it progresses.]

All sorts of people called in to wish you well.

They did? Wow... I better put out a message soon to say I'm okay.

[Sure the text probably helped with that, but he should still show he's back on his feet already.

But, thinking of Malik answering said calls reminds him.]

Did you get to look around Ecruteak at least, while I was out?

[Half a shrug.]

Enough. I stuck close to look after things.

Perhaps you owe me for babysitting.

[This smile means he's kidding.]

Watching them now, and taking some mareep sometimes? How do I repay that?

[Because he certainly wants to repay the help buuut perhaps he should suggest eggs before Malik hits him up, huh?]

[He shrugs.]

Don't worry about it. Though, how are you as a cook?

[Guess who has probably burnt the bottoms of all Bakura's nice kitchen appliances. :/]

...ah- Don't know. Mom always cooks at home, and I just ate out here.

[What's the matter, Malik? Not satisfied with burgers and fries?]

[What, you mean "meat" and "grease"? ~~NO WONDER YOU'RE SHORT~~ He prides himself on being a bit more discerning than that!]

...I have a similar issue.

Perhaps we should take up the practice together.

[And he'll save the idea that you might actually pay him back if he asked for something else, something larger....]

11th Piece // Ecruteak City // Action/Text

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